Advanced heart failure SCENE: An innovative approach to clinical education

Most major clinical trials in which patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have been enrolled have included few, if any, patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional Class III or Class IV heart failure. Without adequate data on advanced heart failure (AHF) and associated morbidity, drug efficacy, and prescribing algorithms, protocols and standardized procedures for the management of AHF are difficult to establish. Because there are no standardized protocols for the management of this disease, early aggressive treatment and monitoring are often not implemented, oral therapy is not maximized, inotropic therapy is underused, and patient follow-up is minimal. However, several institutions around the country have extensive knowledge and experience in treating AHF Heart failure specialists at these institutions are implementing aggressive treatment protocols based on their clinical practices. Advanced Heart Failure Shared Clinical Experience Network (AHF SCENE) is a hands-on, peer-to-peer educational program for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with AHF Selected centers of excellence in the management of AHF serve as host sites, where attendees learn about optimal care of patients with AHF. The goal of AHF SCENE is to teach aggressive clinical management of patients with AHF that will reduce the need for hospitalization, lower the cost of care, and improve quality of life.